Player ratings from the Three Lions' Euro 2024 opener

Well, all that was stressful, wasn't it? England kicked off their Euro 2024 campaign with a 1-0 win over Serbia but their performance was far from perfect.

The Three Lions started brightly, with Jude Bellingham heading home Bukayo Saka's cross. It just had to be him.

It looked like a fluid XI selected by Gareth Southgate but England soon fell into their shell and were starved in the second half.

They lost control and to their credit, Serbia were much better in the second half. However, the Serbs were unable to create many scoring opportunities and Southgate's side were able to see the game out.

Three points is all that matters at this stage, though, and hopefully they'll learn something important from the way the second half played out in Gelsenkirchen.

So, how did the players rate during the tournament opener?

Jordan Pickford – 6

There wasn't much in terms of saves apart from a good stop to deny Dusan Vlahovic late on/ He'll need to get better on the ball throughout the tournament; others rather hit-and-hope long balls at times.

Kyle Walker – 6

There wasn't much to do defensively and failed to offer much from the ball from the right as Serbia pushed England. The first half had one game but it came out.

John Stones – 6

A strong display from the central defender. The important thing is that England keep him healthy.

Marc Guehi – 7

An excellent first game of the tournament from the center half of Crystal Palace. In the first half he completed 100% of his passes and won 100% of his defensive tackles.

Kieran Trippier – 5

A tough night for the Newcastle man playing outside the area. It didn't do anything as bad as this but England were severely hampered on the left due to the lack of a flying full-back like Luke Shaw.

Declan Rice – 7

England were under a lot of pressure in the second half but Declan Rice was always there to sweep and make important interventions.

Trent Alexander-Arnold – 6

An indifferent game for Trent as Southgate continues his exploration of playing the Liverpool star in midfield. Some good passes as usual but he failed to give his team much control in the second half. He is tied with Conor Gallagher at 45 second.

Jude Bellingham – 8 (MOTM)

England team selection. He got a header on 13 minutes and easily looked the upper class. He pushed his team forward and tried to make more happen.

Watch Saka – 7

Unplayable in the first half, provided the assist for the winning goal. The second half went down a lot when the Three Lions were starving.

Phil Foden – 5

It's not a good time to start the Premier League Player of the Season out of this year's competition. A few good touches but in the end didn't give Southgate enough in the final third.

Harry Kane – 4

He was hungry for service but this was a poor display from the England captain. He managed just two touches in the first half and had only one chance of note, a powerful header pushed over the bar.

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Conor Gallagher – 6

It gave England more energy in the middle of the park but it didn't have much to do.

Jarrod Bowen and Kobbie Mainoo – N/A

There is not enough time to make an impact on the programs. It's good to see both of them start their tournament.